Investor Relations

There are several ways to create a more interesting look and feel with an interview video. This is particularly relevant with video used in the AR 2.0 format, which tends to be more effective if it is short and crisp and to the point.

The so-called talking head shot is yet another way to project a CEO’s personality. Depending on the CEO’s degree of animation, a talking head shot can be very effective. Be mindful that when shooting talking heads, it is better to use a fixed light and a motor drive rather than a strobe.

Ask any IR specialist what the most important photo in the company’s
annual report is and you’ll get the same answer every time: the CEO
photo. Get it right and it’s smooth sailing. Get it wrong and watch
out. It’s best to hire an experienced photographer, but there are also
a number of steps, tricks, and tips YOU can keep in mind that will help
ensure success.

As promised, part two of my report from NIRI, penned from seat 7E (exit row) on my return flight from Miami Wednesday. The conference provided a window into the increasing demands and options for IR, the changing landscape, and the challenges of engaging the right investors for your company.

The National Investor Relations Institute annual conference kicked off in South Florida on Sunday.  Former White House Economic Advisor, economist, and author Todd Buchholz was the keynote speaker on Monday. Todd set the tone for the conference and provided colorful perspective and commentary on some of the root causes of the recent global financial crisis, historical anecdotes and the changing landscape. Todd views the current state of affairs as a challenge of “human capital” and believes that the U.S. can get back on track if we can win the global “race for IQ points.”

Saturday I am heading to South Florida for the NIRI Annual Conference, and will be posting my take on the goings on in the exhibit hall and program sessions. This year’s focus is on perspectives related to the financial crisis.

Twitter: it has a buzz; it’s growing rapidly; it has a high drop-out rate. Is it useful for institutions and companies? I follow three Twitter users that I think provide highly useful value to their communities.

The Graphis 2009 Annual Report Annual honored Mike Weymouth as
a legend. Graphis asked for materials for their book — great past
annual report designs, an essay, Mike’s paintings, and a photograph of
Mike. But a photograph is never just a photograph.

An effective way to capture the personality of a CEO or executive in an annual report or capabilities overview is to use multiple photographs with a range of expressions.  A good example of this is a series of photographs of design judges that Mike Weymouth took for SAPPI’s Ideas that Matter project.